The Golden Crow Prince's Return

Junior Brother! Zhao Gongming stepped forward quickly and said in a low voice, "Don't act rashly. That Golden Crow must have a plan."

Tai Cang naturally understood the stakes, but his inner curiosity was hard to suppress. After a moment's thought, he decided to investigate.

Glancing at Sect Master Tongtian and Di Jun, who were chatting and laughing, Tai Cang whispered to Zhao Gongming, "Senior Brother, please cover for me for a bit."

With that, he cupped his hands in greeting to the group at the main table and quickly left his seat.

Junior Brother! Zhao Gongming called out anxiously. Seeing that Tai Cang's mind was made up, he could only reluctantly take his seat, a worried expression on his face. If Tai Cang couldn't return before the banquet ended, the consequences were unpredictable.

Outside the hall, Tai Cang looked around for Di Yi.

"As expected," Di Yi's voice suddenly rang out. "Fellow Daoist Tai Cang, you've exceeded my expectations."

"I thought all disciples of the Sages were by-the-book, but I didn't expect you to be so carefree."

Following the sound, he saw Di Yi leisurely sitting by a stone table, raising his cup in invitation.

Tai Cang secretly pondered Di Yi's intentions but showed nothing on his face. He stepped forward and bowed, "Fellow Daoist flatters me. May I ask why you've invited me here?"

"Simple," Di Yi said, gently swirling his wine cup. "I wish to spar with you a bit."

"This isn't about a competition between the two sects, it's purely because I want to experience the strength of a top disciple of the Intercepting Sect."

"Spar?" Tai Cang raised an eyebrow. "Wouldn't it be better to compete during the formal matches?"

"Why must you be in such a hurry, Fellow Daoist?"

Di Yi gently shook his head, his expression calm. "This competition will only feature my tenth brother, Lu Ya. He is at the Grand Perfection of Golden Immortal realm, with cultivation comparable to yours."

"Besides Lu Ya, all nine of us brothers have already broken through to Grand Unity Golden Immortal. If we were to fight you, there would be no suspense, and Father Emperor wouldn't allow us to act anyway."

"So that's how it is!"

A glint flashed in Tai Cang's eyes, and he immediately understood the reason behind it.

The Immortals of the Intercepting Sect weren't being looked down upon; it was simply that their strength was indeed inferior to the Golden Crow Princes. However, Sect Master Tongtian had a request for the Demon Race, and Di Jun and Eastern Emperor Tai Yi couldn't let him leave empty-handed. Thus, they arranged for the young Golden Crow, Lu Ya, to be the opponent for the cultivators of the Intercepting Sect.

Understanding the truth, Tai Cang's expression changed drastically.

The reason was simple: the System mission required him to defeat the Ten Golden Crows. If the opponent was only Lu Ya, wouldn't he be unable to complete the mission to unlock the privilege?

Unacceptable!

I must unlock the privilege!

Tai Cang's gaze became firm as he looked at Di Yi. "I am willing to spar with you, Fellow Daoist, but I have a condition."

"Oh? Tell me about it," Di Yi asked with interest. "If it's Sun Moon Essence, I can give it to you regardless of the outcome. This item is everywhere in our clan, not worth mentioning."

Tai Cang's lips twitched slightly at his words.

This Di Yi's pretense was quite skillful, possessing a bit of the demeanor of those business tycoons from his previous life.

"It's not for this item."

Taking a deep breath, Tai Cang suppressed his displeasure. "I hope to compete with each of the Ten Golden Crow Princes one by one. Furthermore, I primarily cultivate the sword path but lack a suitable magical artifact. I wish to obtain a branch of the Fusang Tree."

As he spoke, his gaze fell upon the towering ancient tree in the distance.

As an innate spiritual root, the branches of the Fusang Tree were excellent materials for crafting artifacts, capable of forging weapons of the acquired spiritual treasure level.

"A branch of the Fusang Tree?"

"Challenging all ten of us brothers?"

Di Yi looked at Tai Cang in surprise, his smile growing wider. "Good! I promise you."

"Indeed, I didn't misjudge you. You are the most outstanding of the Intercepting Sect."

"A mere Golden Immortal dares to face Grand Unity Golden Immortals and wants to challenge all ten of us brothers. Regardless, this courage is worthy of admiration."

"Follow me, I'll take you to get the Fusang Wood."

Di Yi stood up and led the way towards the Fusang Tree.

It's done!

Tai Cang secretly breathed a sigh of relief and quickly followed.

The two soon arrived at the courtyard where the Fusang Tree was located.

"Eldest Brother!"

"Eldest Brother!"

Amidst the calls, nine youths who looked similar to Di Yi walked towards them. The first eight exuded the aura of Grand Unity Golden Immortals, while only the last one was still at Grand Perfection of Golden Immortal.

"My brothers!"

Di Yi laughed heartily and embraced his brothers, then pointed at Tai Cang. "Fellow Daoist Tai Cang has not only accepted the challenge but also wants to compete with all ten of us brothers one by one."

"What?"

"Fight us?"

All the Golden Crows looked at Tai Cang in unison, their faces filled with excitement. "Excellent! We were just worrying about not having a chance to fight!"

"Fellow Daoist Tai Cang, rest assured, we will hold back."

"Excellent. For years, my brothers and I have only sparred amongst ourselves. No one outside dares to fight us, which is truly boring."

Listening to the Golden Crows' conversation, Tai Cang fell into thought.

He realized he might have misunderstood the Ten Great Golden Crows. These were clearly simple-minded beings with no hidden agendas. His prejudice, stemming from later legends of the Golden Crows burning the Primordial World, now seemed somewhat laughable. Even if they might do such a thing in the future, they were not bloodthirsty creatures at this moment.

With this realization, Tai Cang cupped his hands in greeting. "I am Tai Cang of the Intercepting Sect. Greetings to all you Golden Crow Princes."

"Fellow Daoist Tai Cang need not be so formal." Di Yi chuckled heartily and turned to Lu Ya. "Little Tenth, go fetch a branch of the Fusang Tree for Fellow Daoist Tai Cang. He seems to need it."

"Understood, Eldest Brother!" Lu Ya didn't hesitate. He transformed into his true form, a three-legged Golden Crow, spread his wings, and flew towards the Fusang Tree, using his sharp claws to break off a branch.

The Golden Crow returned, holding the branch. After handing it to Di Yi, he resumed human form. "Fellow Daoist Tai Cang, are these enough? If not, I can fetch more."

"They are more than enough!" Tai Cang looked at the several-zhang-long branch before him. It was more than enough to forge one sword, let alone dozens.

"Truly magnificent!" Tai Cang exclaimed inwardly. After taking a branch, he said to Di Yi and the others, "Please wait a moment."

He immediately began to use the Primordial Clarity Artifact Forging Technique. Flames enveloped the branch, melting it into liquid. Under the control of his mana, it gradually took shape. With a hum, a wooden sword of the high-grade acquired spiritual treasure level was born.

Tai Cang bit the tip of his tongue and sprayed a mouthful of essence blood onto the sword, completing the refinement. He tested its feel and was quite satisfied, unaware of the covetous glint in the eyes of the Golden Crows beside him.

"We can begin," Tai Cang said, sheathing his sword.

Di Yi and the others, however, exchanged glances and stammered, "Fellow Daoist Tai Cang, we have an impudent request..."

"What is it?" Tai Cang looked at the suddenly bashful Golden Crow Princes with confusion.

Di Yi stepped forward. "Your artifact forging technique just now was exquisite. Could you teach it to us? Although we have many innate spiritual treasures, we find it difficult to unleash their full power. Conversely, the acquired spiritual treasures you forge feel easier to wield."

Tai Cang's eyelids twitched, and he sighed inwardly. This is practically bragging! Acquired spiritual treasures are inferior to innate ones? If you don't want them, give them to me!

Suppressing his frustration, he said solemnly, "This is a secret artifact forging technique passed down by our Second Uncle-Master. I cannot impart it to others."

"If any fellow daoists are interested, simply gather the materials, and I am willing to forge acquired spiritual treasures for you."

"It's settled then!"

The Ten Great Golden Crows were overjoyed and readily agreed.

They knew very well that this artifact forging technique originated from the Primordial Clarity lineage. It was already a great fortune for Tai Cang to be able to practice it, so how could outsiders covet it?

With this thought, the Golden Crows eagerly said, "Let's not delay. Let's begin now."

After speaking, several Golden Crows turned to fetch the artifact forging materials.

"Wait!"

Tai Cang hurriedly called out to stop them. "Fellow daoists, artifact forging can be done anytime. Why don't we complete our spar first?"

He mused inwardly: These Golden Crow Princes have already reached the Grand Unity Golden Immortal realm. If they are equipped with acquired spiritual treasures forged by me, won't they be even more difficult to deal with? It's not that I'm afraid of losing, but for the One-Click Max Level Privilege, I must win this match.

"Very well."

Di Yi and the other Golden Crow Princes nodded at each other. They didn't think much about the outcome of the match, as in their eyes, Tai Cang, merely a Grand Perfection Golden Immortal, was no match for them.

Di Yi turned to Lu Ya. "Little Tenth, you go."

"Yes, Eldest Brother!"

Lu Ya stepped forward and cupped his hands towards Tai Cang. "Fellow Daoist Tai Cang, please guide me."

Tai Cang held the wooden sword and lightly tapped the tip, signaling the start.

"Solar True Fire · Decree!"

Lu Ya didn't hesitate. As he cast a spell with both hands, blazing flames transformed into the shape of a Golden Crow, flapping its wings and pouncing towards Tai Cang.

The scorching heat instantly engulfed the entire area. Fine beads of sweat appeared on Tai Cang's forehead.

"What a domineering Solar True Fire!"

Tai Cang's expression turned solemn. With a flick of his wrist, the wooden sword drew streaks of green light. Shangqing Sword Qi shot out, colliding with the fire crow in mid-air.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

The flames exploded like fireworks, illuminating the entire sky.

The remaining sword qi continued its momentum, heading straight for Lu Ya.

"This..."

Lu Ya was stunned for a moment. In the instant of their exchange, he sensed the gap. Both were Grand Perfection Golden Immortals, yet Tai Cang's sword intent was sharp to the point of being heart-pounding.

"Little Tenth, be careful!"

"Dodge quickly!"

Di Yi and the other Golden Crows urgently reminded him.

Lu Ya suddenly snapped back to reality. His figure flickered, and he used the Golden Crow Transformation Rainbow Technique to narrowly evade the attack.

The sword qi landed, stirring up a cloud of dust.

"What an excellent Golden Crow Transformation Rainbow Technique!"

Tai Cang marveled inwardly. This number one escape technique in the Primordial World truly lived up to its name.

He didn't stop, however. The wooden sword swung repeatedly, its sword qi forming a net that sealed off all of Lu Ya's escape routes.

"Too fast!"

The sword light pierced through the air. A flicker of shock flashed in Lu Ya's eyes as he quickly dodged to the side. At the same time, he channeled the Solar True Fire, transforming it into a Golden Crow that attacked Tai Cang from all directions.

In an instant, sword qi and flames intertwined, and the fierce battle between Tai Cang and Lu Ya officially began.

Rumble--

Rumble--

With deafening roars, Tongtian, Di Jun, Eastern Emperor Tai Yi, and other top powerhouses in the Sun Palace sensed the disturbance.

"What's going on?"

Di Jun, who was raising his cup for a drink, frowned, his expression turning somewhat grim. It was currently a banquet for Tongtian, and the Golden Crow Princes causing such a commotion was truly impolite.

"Guards!"

Just as Di Jun was about to order the Golden Crow Princes to be reprimanded, Eastern Emperor Tai Yi interrupted, "Eldest Brother! It's the Tenth Prince fighting against the Intercepting Sect!"

What!

Fighting against the Intercepting Sect!

Di Jun's pupils contracted slightly. He scanned the situation in the backyard with his divine sense, then turned to Tongtian and said apologetically, "My apologies, Daoist Tongtian. My sons are unruly."

With their cultivation levels, they could discern the cause and effect in an instant. The matter of Di Yi challenging Tai Cang was naturally clear to them.

"It's nothing!"

Tongtian waved his hand and chuckled, "I came here precisely to test the strength of my disciples and the Golden Crow Princes. Since it has already begun, why don't we just watch?"

With that, he flicked his sleeve.

As his mana flowed, the water vapor in the hall condensed into a mirror, clearly reflecting the scene of Tai Cang and Lu Ya clashing in the backyard.

"It's Junior Brother Tai Cang!"

"He's dueling a Golden Crow Prince!"

The immortals of the Intercepting Sect exclaimed in low voices, their eyes locked on the mirror, their expressions gradually becoming solemn. They could clearly feel that the power displayed by both Tai Cang and Lu Ya far surpassed their own.

Especially the overwhelming Solar True Fire, even from a great distance, they could feel its scorching heat.

"Daoist Tongtian, your disciple is quite good."

Di Jun watched the battle in the mirror and praised sincerely, "This exquisite swordsmanship bears a strong resemblance to your demeanor back in the day."

Tongtian's lips curved upwards. Tai Cang's mastery of the Shangqing Sword Art pleased him greatly. More importantly, he had noticed that the other Golden Crow Princes had all reached the Grand Unity Golden Immortal realm, and only Tai Cang might have the strength to fight them.

If Tai Cang couldn't defeat the Ten Golden Crow Princes, the Intercepting Sect might have to return in defeat this time.

With this thought, Tongtian chuckled, "The Demon Emperor's son is also extraordinary. To control the Solar True Fire so skillfully at such a young age is truly rare."

"And this is only the weakest Golden Crow Prince. The other nine have already reached Grand Unity Golden Immortal, so their mastery of fire is likely even more profound."